24 EU Members Call Europe to Shift to Plant-based Diet to Protect the Environment

In what might be the most amazing news coming out of Europe last year is that 24 members of the EU parliament (MEPs) have signed a letter to the European Commission President insisting on a reduction in animal agriculture, and a shift to promoting a plant-based diet.

In the letter members stressed the need to reduce consumption levels by at least 30% by 2030 in order to help meet climate targets, reduce pressure on river basins and reduce the incidence of serious chronic health problems caused by meat and dairy.

The letter addressed to the president of European Commission states:

“The science is clear that reductions in meat and dairy consumption are required to achieve meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions”.

The letter also clearly outlines the negative health implications of meat/dairy consumption.

Within their recommendations there is advice to increase education and public awareness around the negative health implications of meat consumption, and a recommendation for a ban on advertising bacon and other processed meat – particularly in light of the World Health Organisation’s classification of red and processed meat as carcinogens – which should further reduce already falling demand.

Finally, people are waking up to the reality that meat consumption, health and environment are all intrinsically linked. This is a great step in the right direction.